Breaking Down The Break-In

(I live in the UK, but I have a US-based Skype phone number. Consequently, I occasionally get plagued with telemarketers. In this case, the automated message told me that there was a break-in in my neighbourhood, and that they could offer me a home security system. I decided to press ‘1’ to be connected with an agent. After verifying that I’m the homeowner:)

Agent: “Okay, the reason for this call is that we have a promotion on a new home security system.”

Me: “So there hasn’t been a break-in?”

Agent: “What?”

Me: “The automated message said that there was a break-in. That’s why I pressed ‘1’ to talk to you.”

Agent: “Oh, well, actually it’s because we have this promotion…”

Me: “So basically you lied to me to get me to press ‘1.’ There was no break-in.”

Agent: “Well, who’s to say there hasn’t been a break-in in your area?”

Me: “The lack of police sirens?”

(They hung up.)